Joseph A. Marquez, proud Army soldier
PFC Joseph A. Marquez, affectionately known as “Dimps,” 19, of Dover, formerly of Millsboro, passed away unexpectedly Monday, April 25, 2022, during an Army training exercise at the Yakima Training Center in Washington state.
Joey was born June 17, 2002, in Salisbury, Md., son of Kristen M. Giordano and Alejandro Marquez. He graduated from Sussex Tech, Class of 2020, and enlisted in the United States Army Jan. 11, 2021.
He was known as “Dimps” due to his beautiful smile and huge dimples. Joey loved to laugh and spend time with his family and friends. He was often referred to by his friends as a “momma’s boy,” which he always took as a compliment because of his devotion to his mom and his desire to spend time with her. Joey was also a sports enthusiast, rooting for the New York Yankees and New York Giants, as well as an athlete involved in his school’s baseball, football, track and soccer teams. Joey also played travel ball for the Bombers and Aces.
Joey’s happy place was at the beach playing spike ball. He also enjoyed listening to music, so much that he was currently teaching himself to play the guitar. When he wasn’t involved in some sporting event, you would find Joey hunting, fishing or working out at the gym. Joey was very spiritual and close to God, and became very involved in his church at Bethel Tabernacle Church in Frankford. He will be remembered for his laughter, the light he spread, as a loyal soldier to his country, and as a faithful friend to his comrades.
He is survived by his mother, Kristen Giordano and her fiancé J.P. Blandin of Dover; his father, Alejandro Marquez of Houston, Texas; a sister, Alexis Marquez of Dover; maternal grandparents, Joseph and Teresa Giordano of Salisbury, Md.; two uncles, Michael Giordano and his family of Millsboro, and Jason Giordano and his family of Glen Burnie, Md.; his family at the 8th Squadron 1st U.S. Calvary at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington; and several other extended family members and countless friends.
A visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, May 9, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro. A memorial service and celebration of Joey’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in his name to Sussex Tech Athletic Department, The Vocational Technical Education Foundation, Sussex Tech School District, Attn: Kristen Hatfield, P.O. Box 351, Georgetown, DE 19947. The memo line on the check must read Sussex Tech Athletics.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.
